I'll Be There

You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there

I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you

I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength
I'll keep holdin' on

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, girl, is all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there

I'll be there to protect you
With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and I'll be there

I'll be there, I'll be there
Just call my name, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, I'll be there

The Jackson Five

It was Thursday morning a few days later, and Maddie woke up early to get ready for her first day back at Blue Moon since Alex was born. Maddie and David agreed that her first day back would be a half day - David planned to catch her up on their open cases, then Maddie wanted to touch base with Agnes, Burt, Richie, and the Wobblies, work on the Blue Moon weekly payroll, review the agency's P and forecasts, and go out to lunch with David and Richie, then she'd head home after lunch.

Virginia was coming by at breakfast time to watch Alex, and Maddie wanted everything to be organized and ready when she got there. Maddie looked over at David sleeping soundly on his stomach next to her, mouth slightly hung open, and smiled. She'd gotten up with Alex for a 3am feeding but he was, in general, getting to be a much better sleeper at night and she was getting a lot more rest than she had when he was a newborn. Maddie got up, took a shower, styled her hair, put on makeup, and got dressed in her favorite pink belted dress and trusty beige pumps. She went to Alex's room – he was just starting to stir – and got him up and changed his diaper. He smiled and cooed at her and kicked his little feet. She held him in the glider rocker in his room, nursed him, then brought him downstairs and put him in his bouncy seat while she made a pot of coffee and popped some bread in the toaster.

Maddie made sure Virginia had everything she'd need for her morning with Alex - bottles of breast milk in the fridge; diapers and wipes in Alex's room at his changing table; bouncy seat, swing, and play mat ready to go downstairs to keep him entertained. She also gathered all of the things she'd need for a day in the office – her large beige clutch, her briefcase, and her breast pump. Alex happily vibrated in his bouncy seat and watched her as she moved around getting everything ready.

David got in the shower after Maddie and quickly got ready and dressed in a gray suit and loafers, then went downstairs to join Maddie and Alex. David kissed Maddie, then grabbed a piece of toast and took a bite.

David picked Alex up out of his bouncy seat and held him: "Hey Ad Man! You ready to spend the morning with your grandma? Your mom and I are going into Blue Moon but she'll be back right after lunch. Be a good little guy for your grandma, okay buddy?" David kissed Alex and danced around the room with him, singing Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me" while Maddie poured a travel mug full of coffee for each of them. Alex smiled and kicked his feet – he enjoyed hearing his dad singing.

Virginia was a few minutes early getting there – she was thrilled to spending the morning with her grandson.

Virginia: "There's grandma's little angel! I am looking forward to spending the day with you!" She walked over and scooped baby Alex out of David's arms.

Maddie: "Hi mom! I left the Blue Moon phone number on the counter next to the phone in case you need us. You know he's usually a really sweet, even tempered little guy unless he gets hungry - in which case, he's a real screamer."

Virginia: "Oh I know, dear. I've learned to get ahead of the hunger screams. You were the same way as a baby. Don't worry about a thing. Alex and I are going to have a great day together."

Maddie and David kissed Alex goodbye and left him in Virginia's capable – and adoring – hands. David drove Maddie to their Century City office in the BMW. He looked over at her face – she looked wistful, and a bit sad.

David: "How are you doing, honey?"

Maddie: "It suddenly hit me that I miss him, David. I didn't realize how much I was going to miss him. I know we've left him with my parents before, and with Richie and Elizabeth, for a night out together, and this past weekend in Santa Barbara, but this feels different. We're so lucky mom is here and we can leave him with her. I know he's in great hands, but it's hard." She burst into tears.

David: "Maddie, sweetheart, you don't have to go back if you're not ready. He's only 3 months old. I have everything under control, really, and Richie is there now too, and honestly, he's doing a great job with cases and stakeouts – Richie and Viola have become quite a team. Who'd 'a thunk it?"

Maddie: "I know, David, and I appreciate it. It's just a moment, it'll pass. I have to go back at some point and this was my idea, and I think it's good for me, and for Alex. I just didn't realize how hard it was going to be. I'll be okay in a few minutes."

David reached over and held Maddie's hand, then brought it to his lips and kissed it. Maddie took a deep breath and regained her composure. David accelerated on towards Blue Moon and parked in the garage. He handed the BMW keys to Maddie.

David: "Here, honey, take the keys. Head home whenever it makes sense. Even before lunch if you want. I'll take a cab, or get a ride from Richie."

Maddie: "We really need to think about getting a second car, David. How have we gotten by on a single car all this time? Maybe we can lease a second one as a company car and it can be a Blue Moon expense. Or we can just buy a new car ourselves. Maybe one of those new minivans? Or a station wagon?"

David: "Hold the phone, Maddie, hold the phone, no way am I driving a minivan. Or a station wagon either. I don't care how practical they are."

Maddie laughed: "Maybe a Volvo? They are really safe." David rolled his eyes. "David, we're parents! We have to be realistic. We at least need something with four doors and decent trunk space for all the baby stuff. Getting Alex in and out of the back seat of a coupe is a pain now, and it's only going to get harder as he gets bigger. Let's look at our finances and then maybe we can go check out some different models in person, see what we like."

David: "Sounds good, Blondie Blonde."

Maddie and David exited the elevator on the 20th floor and entered the Blue Moon office together. Agnes was at her desk and greeted them both warmly.

Agnes: "Mr. Addison! Mrs. Addison! It's great great to see you both! Can I get you anything? Coffee? A Danish or a cruller from downstairs?"

Maddie: "I'm good, Agnes. Thanks, though."

David: "I'll take a cruller, Agnes. Maybe two of them. And a chocolate donut. Thanks!". Maddie shook her head and rolled her eyes at him. He was a bottomless pit and never gained an ounce.

Maddie sighed and looked at David: "Well.."

David: "Well…"

Maddie: "Well, I guess I'll head to my office. Want to stop by and catch me up on the business in a little while?"

David". "Catch you up on the business? Sure, Blondie Blonde. I'll let you settle back in. Meet you in an hour or two?"

Maddie walked into her office and closed the door. She put her things down on her desk and opened up her briefcase. She pulled out a framed photo of David and Alex from Christmas time and put it on her desk. She started looking through the financial files and bank account information that David had left for her to review. She was really impressed and touched by David's attention to detail while she was out. Their accounts were all in balance and their forecasts and P were up to date. Maddie thought it felt good to be focused on the Blue Moon business again.

Maddie heard a knock on the door – it was Agnes.

Agnes: "Mrs. Addison, it's so great to have you back. Here's the mail if you want to go through it." Agnes handed the mail to Maddie and she noticed a shiny bauble on Agnes' left ring finger.

Maddie: "Agnes, is that what I think it is?"

Agnes: "It is! Bert asked me to marry him on Valentine's Day! Isn't that romantic? He knelt down in front of the LaBrea Tar Pits and proposed – the site of our first date! We are talking about a Halloween wedding. Have everyone come in costume."

Maddie: "How…romantic. I'm thrilled for you both, Agnes, and I know Mr. Addison will be too. We'll have to throw you two a wedding shower." She stood up, walked around her desk, and gave Agnes a big hug. Agnes left her office and shut the door behind her.

Maddie went through the mail, then started working on payroll for the week, but after a while, she started to feel wistful. She picked up the phone and called her house to check on Alex.

Maddie: "Hi, mom. Just wanted to check and see how he's doing. I hope he's being good for you."

Virginia: "He's an angel, Maddie. I have him in my arms now – he's sound asleep. He has that same little smirky look on his face that David does sometimes. When he wakes up, I'll give him a bottle and I thought he might enjoy his play mat. He loves looking up at all of the little animals dangling on the top of it. Don't worry about a thing, Tickle Bug. He's in good hands."

Maddie smiled thinking of Alex and how much she loved him. She looked at the photo of David and Alex on her desk – then instantly had that let-down feeling and realized she needed to pump. Her breasts felt heavy and full. She was glad she had nursing pads in her bra or she'd have a fashion disaster on her hands. She made a mental note to keep a change of clothes at the office. She got up and locked her office door, then got the pump out.

A few minutes later, she heard a knock on the door.

David: "Yo, Maddie! Still a good time to meet?"

Maddie: "Is it just you, David? Hold on a sec." She got up and let him inside, quickly closing the door.

David smirked: "Multitasking?"

Maddie smiled shyly: "Something like that. Maddie put the breast pump away in its bag and put the bottles of milk in the attached insulated compartment and got herself buttoned and hooked back to normal. "This is weird, David. It's weird being here. It's weird not being with Alex. It's weird having been away for so long and not knowing everything that's going on, besides what you tell me about at home. I feel very disconnected."

David: "Tell you what. Let me go over the cases with you, make sure we have everything accounted for in the books. Then you can finish working on payroll and we can grab lunch with Richie? Sound good?" David did his best to keep Maddie grounded when she was feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and he'd gotten pretty good at it over the past several months.

Maddie: "Agnes told me about her engagement to Bert. We'll have to plan a shower for the two of them."

David laughed: "Yeah, he just told me too. The tar pits, huh? And a Halloween wedding! I don't think I've ever attended a wedding in costume. I guess there's a first time for everything."

David caught Maddie up on all of their open cases – the ongoing saga of the Anselmo case plus several cases involving cheating spouses, a woman trying to find an old boyfriend, an adopted man trying to find his birth parents, and an odd but lucrative case involving a horseracing scandal. Maddie finished working on payroll, then grabbed lunch at a nearby restaurant with David and Richie. She enjoyed a healthy meal of salmon and steamed vegetables. Richie had them all laughing with a story about the latest stakeout with Bert. After lunch, Maddie grabbed her things from her office and drove the BMW home.

Meanwhile, Virginia Hayes enjoyed a day with her grandson at Maddie's and David's Bel Air home. She held him the entire day and relished every moment she got to spend with him. Alex Hayes had a business breakfast in Burbank and a few conference calls with the office back in Chicago that morning but stopped by at lunch time to spend time with Virginia and baby Alex.

Maddie: "Mom! Daddy! I hope he was good for you. It felt great to be back in the office but I sure did miss him. And I'm a lot more tired than I thought I'd be after a single morning in the office. I'm glad I'm starting out slow." She picked a happy baby Alex up from her dad's arms. "Hey you! I hope you had a good time with your grandma and grandpa! I sure did miss you!" Alex excitedly cooed and smiled at Maddie.

Maddie kissed her parents goodbye, and Alex and Virginia headed back home. Maddie kicked off her shoes and plopped down on the couch with Alex. She was surprised by how tired she was after just one morning in the office but shrugged it off. Maddie nursed Alex and the two of them fell sound asleep together on the sofa in the living room, with Alex contentedly sleeping on his stomach on Maddie's chest, mouth slightly hung open, just like his dad, and Maddie's hand on his little back.

David came home from work before dinner time and saw Maddie and Alex sound asleep together on the couch. He shoved his hands in his pockets, shook his head, and smiled. They meant everything to him. He quietly walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the fridge, then started making a light dinner. He heard Maddie stirring in the living room and brought her a glass of water. He picked Alex up and held him.

Maddie: "Thanks, David. I didn't even hear you come in. I guess I was just wiped out after today."

David: "You were so beautiful sleeping there, holding him. I didn't want to disturb you. It's a lot, Maddie, having a new baby and working. You have to cut yourself some slack. Want some dinner? I'm making some pasta."

Maddie: "You know David, I'm really just not hungry. I think I'm going to pass."

David: "Why don't you go upstairs and lay down? Get a bubble bath if you want. I've got Alex. I'll bring you something later if you get hungry."

Maddie went upstairs, took a bubble bath, and put on her favorite pink silky pajamas, then laid down on their bed. David had a quick bite of dinner while Alex sat in his swing. David picked him up and got him his bath and dressed him in a snuggly sleeper. He brought Alex to Maddie who nursed him before bed, then they both got him settled into his crib for the night, then went to bed early themselves. Maddie fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow. David laid next to her, with his arms around her, and fell sound asleep himself.

A few hours later, David heard Maddie get up and run to the bathroom. He could hear the audible sounds of her getting sick and the toilet flushing. He went into the bathroom to check on her and she was sitting on the tile floor, leaning against the wall. He got a cold wet washcloth and handed it to her. She rubbed the corners of her mouth, and held it against her forehead.

Maddie: "Oh David, I'm really not feeling well. It must be that salmon I had for lunch. I haven't really eaten anything else today, except for coffee and toast."

David leaned over and touched her forehead: "I'm so sorry, baby. You don't feel like you have a fever. Anything I can get you? A glass of water, maybe?"

Maddie: "No David, I think I may just sit here on the cool tile for a while, then lay back down. Can you get Alex if he wakes up?"

David: "Sure, Goldilocks."

Maddie came back to bed and fell fast asleep. David thought that she must really be exhausted after her first day back in the office, between the mixed emotions of leaving Alex for the first time and trying to catch up with the business. He also made a mental note to not go back to that restaurant any time soon. David got up with Alex for his 3am feeding and gave him a bottle and let Maddie sleep.

Maddie still wasn't feeling well the following morning. Or that evening, when David got home from work. Or the next morning, either. This was more than just a bad piece of fish.

David looked at the value size package of condoms that he bought back in December still sitting unopened on the nightstand. "Maddie, you don't think you could be…I mean, we haven't been careful since Alex was born. At all. And since we got the all clear, well, we haven't been able to keep our hands off each other."

Maddie: "But David, I haven't even had a period since Alex was born. And I'm still nursing him."

David: "Tell you what, Maddie, let me run to the store and pick up a pregnancy test. Then we'll know for sure, one way or the other."

David went to the store and came back with five different pregnancy tests, one of each brand they had at the store - Clear Blue Easy, EPT, Advance, Answer, and First Response.

Maddie and David embarked on the science experiment of test tubes that were 1980s pregnancy tests, lined up across the bathroom counter. They set an egg timer for the required 30 minute wait time, then waited anxiously for the results. David drank half of the carton of chocolate milk that he'd picked up along with the pregnancy tests. Maddie paced back and forth, holding a fussy baby Alex, who had picked up on everyone's anxiety. When the timer went off, they both walked into the bathroom and looked at the sea of test tubes – all sporting liquids in shades of blue. Positive.

Maddie: "Oh, David. What are we gonna do?"

David: "We always knew we wanted another baby, Maddie. So what if it's a little sooner than we planned?"

Maddie: "A little sooner?! Alex is only 3 months old, David! They'll be less than a year apart! That's insane!"

David: "Irish twins, baby."

Maddie: "I have no idea what that means."

David: "I went to Catholic school, honey. Lots of siblings really close together in age. We always called them Irish twins if they were less than a year apart."

Maddie: "I think I need to throw up again." She handed fussy Alex to David, who smiled and made silly faces at him. Alex instantly started grinning and blowing bubbles at his dad. Damn, this kid is cute, David thought – he was more than okay with another one, even if it was a bit soon.

David: "It'll be okay, Goldilocks. Just don't go running off to Chicago this time."

Maddie: "I hate you, David. This is all your fault."

David: "How is it my fault, Madolyn? Last time I checked, it takes two to tango!"

Maddie: "I'm sorry, David. I'm just feeling really overwhelmed. I mean how did this happen?"

David: "I really don't have to explain that to you, do I, Madolyn?"

Maddie: "Please stop calling me that. I know when you call me 'Madolyn' that means you're angry and I don't know why you're angry."

David: "Why are you angry, honey? We're in this together, me and you. I mean this happened one of the hundred or so times we've made love since Alex was born. But to pinpoint a time, I mean, who knows?"

Maddie: "Oh, David, David, David."

David: "Maddie, Maddie, Maddie. It's gonna be okay, baby."

Maddie: "At least it's too soon to be the time at the deli last week. I don't think I could stomach the idea of conceiving a child backed up against a metal bathroom stall door after I ate that Greek salad and you had that huge Italian hoagie!" And with that exclamation, Maddie ran to the bathroom and threw up again.

David: "Tell you what, Maddie. It's Saturday so there's nothing we can do today, but first thing on Monday, call Dr. Weed and make an appointment. I think she'll have to run some tests to confirm a due date."

Maddie: "Oh David, I feel so stupid."

David: "I guess we should've been more careful. It's just hard to think about birth control when we want each other so much. We have a connection that I've never felt with anyone else. Ever. In the past, I've always been able to keep it together enough to think of a condom. Always. I want you to know that. But with you…"

Maddie: "I know, David. I feel the same way and I guess that's how we ended up with Alex, too. But God, David, we have to get better about this or we'll have a whole house full."

David: "I wouldn't mind that, baby."

Maddie: "I hate you."

Maddie called Dr. Weed's office first thing on Monday morning and made an appointment for two weeks later. David went with Maddie and baby Alex to the appointment. David and Alex waiting in the exam room while the nurse took Maddie's vitals and did some blood work. Afterwards, she joined them in the room, changed into a gown, and sat down on the examination table.

Dr. Weed: "Well, I have to say, I'm surprised to see you both again so, um, soon." Dr. Weed looked at Maddie's chart. "Let's see, Maddie, it looks like it's been about 9 weeks since your final postpartum visit?"

Maddie: "Something like that."

Dr. Weed: "And you have a positive pregnancy test that you took at home?"

David: "Five of them."

Dr. Weed smiled: "Nothing like being thorough! Look at this cutie! Hey there, little Alex! He's getting so big, David and Maddie. Such a gorgeous baby."

David: "Well, he'd have to be with this gene pool!"

Maddie: "David! I'm so sorry, Dr. Weed, there's really no excuse for him."

Dr. Weed laughed: "So just a couple of questions, Maddie. Are you breastfeeding, and if so, exclusively, or are you supplementing with formula? And have you had a period since Alex was born?"

Maddie: "I am, exclusively, but I do pump, and he'll have a bottle when my parents watch him, or sometimes when David gets him in the middle of the night. I haven't had a period yet."

Dr. Weed: "It's not uncommon to conceive while you're nursing and before you get a period after your baby is born, especially if you are pumping or supplementing with formula. It is a bit less common when you have a baby under the age of six months, but absolutely not unheard of. Let me examine you and then I'll get the ultrasound machine so we can better date the pregnancy and see how far along you are. Then we can talk through some things for you two to think about."

Dr. Weed examined Maddie, then left the room and came back in a few minutes later, wheeling an ultrasound machine on a cart. Dr. Weed squeezed a little gel on Maddie's lower belly, then rubbed the transducer over the gel. The room was suddenly filled with a loud thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump sound, just like they'd heard with Alex.

David: "Oh, Maddie, honey…"

Maddie held his hand, tears in her eyes: "I know, baby."

Dr. Weed smiled: "Well, as you can hear, the baby has a nice, strong heartbeat." Dr. Weed clicked some buttons, took some measurements, reviewed some paperwork, and carefully studied the images she was looking at. "Everything looks perfect. Would you like to see?"

Dr Weed turned the machine around and David and Maddie could see a black and white image on the screen – a blurry triangle with an oval image in the middle, and a little bean-shaped figure in the middle of that oval. "Here's your baby. He or she is about the size of a raspberry right now. I'd estimate you are about 8 weeks along, which would put your due date at October 4. I would estimate conception around January 11. Does that sound about right?"

Maddie and David looked at each other and shrugged. It could literally have been any day since they'd been given the all clear. They couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Dr. Weed kept a straight face but silently laughed to herself.

Dr. Weed: "Some things to think about, Maddie and David. I'd recommend amnio again, around 16 weeks, because of your age, Maddie. Just to make sure everything is as it should be. You will also want to think about how you want to have this baby. Since you had a c-section last time, we can schedule a planned c-section again. Or you can do a VBAC – that's a Vaginal Birth After Caesarian. If you choose a VBAC we will want to monitor you carefully during labor and delivery, but there's no reason why you can't have this baby naturally, like you'd planned the first time, if that's something you want to do. Talk it over and think about it. You have plenty of time."

Dr. Weed clicked a couple more buttons and printed out a few copies of what she saw on the screen onto thermal paper and handed them to Maddie and David: "Here are a few first photos of your baby! Congratulations, you two." She patted Alex on the head. "And congratulations, big brother!"

David grabbed Maddie's hand, kissed it, and rubbed it against his face. There were tears in both of their eyes.

Dr. Weed continued: "You can continue with all your normal activities – exercising, traveling, and yes, David, sex – you can certainly keep nursing too, although if you notice any severe cramping we should talk about weaning. Occasionally, nursing when you are pregnant can result in pre-term labor, but that's extremely rare. And sometimes an infant will self-wean because your breast milk can change in taste and composition the further you get along in pregnancy. Take care of yourself, eat healthy, and get as much rest as you can with this little guy around. I'm giving you a prescription today for prenatal vitamins. And Maddie and David – I know you both may have some worries given what happened last time with Alex's birth. But there's no reason you shouldn't have a perfectly normal pregnancy and delivery this time. We will keep an extra close eye on you this time. If we start to see your blood pressure going up or if you have any kind of cramping or other symptoms that are out of the ordinary, we'll consider bed rest. But otherwise, everything looks great. Congratulations!"

Maddie checked out and made her next appointment for a month later. She and David walked together back to the BMW, with David pushing Alex in his stroller. When they got to the car, David scooped Maddie up into his arms and kissed her. He looked at the photos he was holding in his hand.

David: "Wow, Maddie, I just can't believe it!"

Maddie: "We're blessed, David. I'm sorry for being so angry with you the other day. I think I was just in shock. I think I'm still in shock."

David: "Madolyn, I'll be there - for you and our family. No matter what. I'm not going anywhere. I love you and I love Alex and I love this new baby too. When do you want to tell people, honey? Do you want to wait until your second trimester? Is your dad going to kill me? I mean he will probably think I can't keep my hands off of you."

Maddie: "Well, I mean, you can't. But I can't keep my hands off of you either. I think he knows me well enough to know it's not just your fault! Mom will know something is up the second she sees my face. I don't have a very good poker face, I'm afraid. Let's tell my parents. And Richie and your dad and Stephanie. But maybe not anyone else until later on?"

David: "Sounds good, Blondie Blonde. Let's tell Richie and Dad and Steph first. That'll be an easier conversation that your mom and dad."

The next day at Blue Moon, David and Richie met in his office to talk through some new developments in their latest horse racing scandal case and made plans for Richie and Bert to go on a stakeout together later that week.

David: "Hey Rich, I've got to talk to you, and I need to call Dad and Steph. I've got some news. Maddie's pregnant."

Richie: "But Alex is only 3 months old, Davey. What the hell?"

David: "Yeah, I know. God, I feel so stupid. And of course I'm worried after how everything went down last time but I can't let Maddie know that."

Richie: "I mean Davey, how did this happen?"

David: "Why does everyone keep asking that question? I really don't have to keep explaining the birds and the bees to everyone, do I?"

Richie: "I mean, you weren't using birth control?"

David: "What do you think, man? We thought it was safe, since she's exclusively breast feeding. I mean she hasn't had a period since he was born. Come to think of it, she's never had a period the entire time we've been together."

Richie: "Yeah, because she's been knocked up the entire time you've been together."

David: "Not funny, Bro."

Richie: "I think it's hilarious. I love living vicariously through you two."

David: "We're going to have two babies under the age of one. Jesus."

Richie: "Irish twins, Bro. Promise me Davey, think about birth control."

David: "Oh, we think about it. It just doesn't happen. I bought a value size box of condoms. Which we have never opened."

Richie: "Geez, Bro. Are you gonna want more kids after this?"

David: "I dunno. I'd have a whole house full, Rich, but not sure Maddie feels the same way."

Richie: "Well, if not, maybe consider something more permanent? The big V? I mean you gotta do something."

David: "Not thrilled about an operation, Rich. But point noted."

David and Maddie called David Sr. and Stephanie that night. They were over the moon excited about another grandchild, but a little concerned given everything that happened with Alex's birth. David promised to call with regular updates.

Later that week, Maddie and David invited Alex and Virginia over for dinner to break the big news to them. David played bartender and cooked for everyone.

David: "What's your poison, Ginny? Alex?"

Virginia: "Oh, I'd love a white wine spritzer, dear, if it's not too much trouble."

Alex: "I'd love a martini, David. You make the best one I've ever had."

Maddie: "All those days bartending in New York, back in the 70s. He's a man of many talents." Maddie shot David a flirty look and he raised his eyebrows back at her.

David: "What can I get you, honey? Sparkling water? Juice?"

Maddie: "Do we have any ginger ale? I'll have that if we do."

David winked at her and poured her a ginger ale on the rocks, then made drinks for Virginia and Alex. He poured himself a double shot of whiskey and downed it in one go, then decided on a second one. He needed to steady his nerves for their upcoming conversation with Alex and Virginia.

David grilled steaks for the guys and swordfish for Maddie and Virginia. Maddie made a salad. Everyone enjoyed their dinner – Maddie picked at hers. She wished she could be hunched over a toilet followed by a couple of saltines with her ginger ale but she was determined to get through the dinner with a smile.

Virginia: "You're not hungry, Maddie? Are you feeling okay?"

Maddie: "Well, Mom, Daddy, we have some news for you. Some big news. This may come as a surprise – it certainly did to us – but David and I are expecting another baby. I'm due October 4."

Alex and Ginny looked at each other, then looked at Maddie and David. They were dumbfounded.

Virginia: "So Alex will be…"

Maddie: "10 months old." Maddie paused and said, hopefully: "Almost 11!"

Alex and Ginny shot each other a look.

Alex: "And they'll both have their first Halloween…"

Maddie: "Together. I know this sounds absolutely insane, Daddy."

Virginia: "We're just worried, dear, after everything that happened last time. I mean, this all seems so…soon."

Maddie: "I had an appointment with Dr. Weed this week and she said there's no reason why I shouldn't have a perfectly normal pregnancy and delivery this time."

Alex looked up and down at David, with a disapproving and annoyed look on his face. He liked David a lot but this news was completely unexpected and Alexander Hayes did not enjoy surprises. A man of many talents, indeed - one of which was knocking his only daughter up.

David looked sheepish and guilty: "Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, I mean Alex and Ginny, this has taken us completely by surprise, too. I mean certainly in an ideal world they'd be, um, further apart in age. But I'll be there for them - for Maddie, and baby Alex, and this new baby. I promise you I'll take good care of them."

Alex: "I know you will, son. We just want everyone to be happy and healthy. And certainly after last time, I think we are all a little nervous."

Maddie: "Dr. Weed said they will be keeping an extra careful watch on me this time, Daddy. No one is more shocked about all of this than I am. I had just started going back into the office to do the Blue Moon payroll and keep track of our P and forecasts. I mean, I hope I can continue to do that throughout this pregnancy. We just want what's best for the new baby, and my health. We see this as a blessing. I mean neither one of us is getting any younger…"

Maddie and David shared the ultrasound photos with Alex and Virginia, including one in a frame for them to keep. There were tears and hugs and congratulations all around.

Alex and Virginia drove back to their condo and Maddie nursed Alex and she and David put him down for the evening, then got ready for bed themselves. Maddie got a bubble bath, brushed her teeth, and put on a strappy cream-colored short nightgown, then joined David, who was already in bed, wearing a pair of striped boxers.

Maddie: "Well, that went better than I expected."

David: "Did you see that look your dad gave me? Like I had violated you! Like he could see right through me – and didn't like what he saw."

Maddie: "He means well, David. He just worries about me. I'm just like him – I tend to worry and overthink everything."

David: "That you do, Blondie Blonde. C'mere." Maddie laid her head on David's chest and he stroked her hair. She absentmindedly ran her fingers through the hair on his chest. "How are you feeling? Still queasy?"

Maddie: "A lot better now. It comes in waves. I think the ginger ale helped. And the warm bath. It feels good being here with you." She looked up at him and touched his face with her hand. She kissed him gently on the lips, then parted his lips with her tongue and began kissing him more passionately. "Make love to me, David. I want to feel you inside me."

David rolled over on top of Maddie and made love to her, slowly, gently, and completely. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

And baby Alex slept through the night for the very first time.

"Moonlighting: A Cookbook and Culinary History - Recipes, Restaurants, Clubs, and Cocktails Featured in the Iconic 1980s Series" coming August 5, 2025!